What began as a class assignment quickly became something more.
At Holy Cross College, a student-led effort to support Our Lady of the Road Homeless Shelter grew into a community-wide donation drive, bringing together campus, parish, and local partners in a shared act of service. In collaboration with Saint Joseph Catholic Church, students collected more than 700 food and clothing items to support neighbors in need across South Bend.
For Casey Tyrell, a second-year business student and recent transfer, the experience became something far greater than a project. It was a firsthand encounter with the power of community, the reach of faith in action, and what it means to lead with purpose.
We asked Casey to reflect on the effort and what it meant to him.
Q: How did this project first take shape, and what was the original goal?
Professor Paul Schmerold first told me about how the business program as a whole was going to do a clothing drive to Our Lady of the Road. In my Principles of Management class with Professor Schmerold each group had to do a charity project of our own. I got in connection with Saint Joseph Catholic Church to help them out with anything they needed assistance with. Tim Cleaver at St. Joe mentioned they needed my group to help with marketing a clothing drive to OLTR, which was perfect because I was able to combine both the HCC drive and the St. Joe drive together as a collective project. My class group was Asher Puhalski, Drew Adzia, and Hannah Lisauskas. We had various marketing strategies implemented at Saint Joe. We made a promotional video and had a blurb write up for the church’s bulletin and weekly announcements. My goal was to get as many clothing and food items to Saint Joe as I possibly could. Our team’s original goal was to deliver 100 items to the homeless shelter. We blew that goal away with well over 700 various food and clothing items to help our brothers and sisters in South Bend.
Q: At what point did you realize it was becoming something bigger than a class assignment?
I first noticed the project taking off right as it began. I was taking calls and answering emails for the project on the daily. I wanted to make sure I delivered in every possible way. I had many people involved helping me make this possible. I told my mom about my plans for the upcoming project and bless her heart because she went around the school she works at to let everyone know about my donation drive. When I came back home for spring break there were boxes on boxes of clothes that her fellow colleagues gathered for me to bring back to South Bend. So, seeing the drive have an impact even in another state was something that made me realize that this project was going to have a major impact on our community.
Q: What did it take to organize the drive and get others involved?
For me it was just getting all the moving parts in place before the launch. Coordinating with Saint Joseph was one of the best decisions I could have made. My project mentor, Tim Cleaver, was a great partner to team up with. Once we launched the project on social media whether it was the video on Youtube or my Linkedin account, it was just waiting for the donations to trickle in. I was also blessed to get the opportunity to speak at the business program assembly at the college. This opportunity not only gave me a chance to introduce myself to my new classmates, but also as a way to promote the goodness that this college has to offer in the South Bend community.
Q: The response was strong. What do you think resonated most with people?
I think what motivated people the most was the ability to make a difference even by giving a small contribution. The donations are directly going to individuals rather than to an abstract cause. What I think I am most proud of was my ability to connect Holy Cross Cross with not only Saint Joseph Parish but also with Our Lady of the Road Homeless Shelter which all have Catholic faith backgrounds. Being able to connect all three organizations gave everyone the opportunity to live out our mission and turn faith into action.
Q: What stood out to you most during the process or at the end of the drive?
During the campaign, as donations began to flood in, I realized what started as a class assignment had turned into a life experience I will cherish for the rest of my life. At the end of the project, the whole idea came together when we delivered the items to the homeless shelter. Seeing the faces brighten up and the smiles start to appear as we loaded the clothes into the shelter was a very special moment that I hope more people have the chance to experience.
Q: What did you personally take away from the experience?
It’s hard to put into words. Seeing the impact a community can have for those in need was amazing to see firsthand. Coming into the project I knew that I wanted to go all in and make sure I made a difference. My biggest take away was that in just a few months I went from being the new kid that did not know anyone to helping lead a highly successful donation drive to help those in need. This is the power that Holy Cross has in our community. From this experience I have made lifelong connections and learned so many life lessons.
Q: How did your faith or the Holy Cross mission shape the way you approached this effort?
I have only been here for three months but the people at Holy Cross College are special compared to the rest. I have been to bigger institutions that have nowhere near the social impact that this college community has. My transition to Holy Cross has been a life changing experience. Through this project, I was not only able to spread my Catholic faith to others but also showcase the Holy Cross mission through faith, service, and love for one another.
Q: What would you say to other students thinking about starting something similar?
Do it. In my head it’s a no brainer after seeing the support I got from people helping me put the donation drive on. You will have the guidance from your Holy Cross peers in projects like this. It is a rewarding experience not only for the people who donate or receive the clothes, but also for yourself. It is a way to answer Christ’s call to serve through sacrifice and purpose towards the common good. From the bottom of my heart, I am incredibly thankful to everyone who supported me in this project and helped turn our service into a meaningful impact for those in need.